Universal Pictures introduced audiences to yet another classic movie monster with this superbly crafted film, originally presented in 3-D. The story involves the members of a fossil-hunting expedition down a dark tributary of the… MoreUniversal Pictures introduced audiences to yet another classic movie monster with this superbly crafted film, originally presented in 3-D. The story involves the members of a fossil-hunting expedition down a dark tributary of the mist-shrouded Amazon, where they enter the domain of a prehistoric, amphibious "Gill Man" -- possibly the last of a species of fanged, clawed humanoids who may have evolved entirely underwater. Tranquilized, captured, and brought aboard, the creature still manages to revive and escape -- slaughtering several members of the team -- and abducts their sole female member (Julie Adams), spiriting her off to his mist-shrouded lair. This sparks the surviving crewmen to action -- particularly those who fancy carrying the girl off themselves. Director Jack Arnold makes excellent use of the tropical location, employing heavy mists and eerie jungle noises to create an atmosphere of nearly constant menace. The film's most effective element is certainly the monster itself, with his pulsating gills and fearsome webbed talons. The creature was played on land by stuntman Ben Chapman and underwater by champion swimmer Ricou Browning -- who was forced to hold his breath during long takes because the suit did not allow room for scuba gear. The end result was certainly worth the effort, proven in the famous scene where the Gill Man swims effortlessly beneath his female quarry in an eerie ballet -- a scene echoed much later by Steven Spielberg in the opening of Jaws. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Jack Arnold has a flair for this sort of thing, and if there really is anything frightening about a man dressed up in a rubber suit with zippers where the gills ought to be, Arnold comes close to finding it.

This classic monster film inspired an entire new generation of horror monster. The Creature from the Black Lagoon is a classic of horror. The film is a… MoreThis classic monster film inspired an entire new generation of horror monster. The Creature from the Black Lagoon is a classic of horror. The film is a benchmark in the horror genre in terms of special effects, story and of course for creating a new breed of horror ghouls. As many critics, and fans before have said, without this film we wouldn't have other horror greats such as Alien and Predator. The Creature from the Black Lagoon is the starting point. Any horror fan owes it to themselves to check this one out because of its significant impact on the genre. Not only is Creature from the Black Lagoon an important film that every horror fan should see, but it is a film that is brilliantly acted and plot. The films plot is pretty simple, but sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that work best, and in the case of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, that is very much the case. The creature effects are fantastic for the time period, and add to that stellar cinematography and you have a film that is memorable and is a must for horror buffs. The films musical score is chilling as you see the Gill-Man attacking the members of the expedition that are looking for fossils in the Gill-Man's habitat. The film has an incredible cast of actors, and they really make this film soar, the film entertaining and like so many other monster films, Creature from the Black Lagoon is one of those films that has had a monumental impact on the genre, and is a film that is far more spectacular than most CGI monster extravaganza films of today. This film is a classic and remains of the greatest monster films in the horror genre ever put on film.

Morgan Salem

gotta love the classic 50s cheese horror!

David Ladd

During an expedition up the Amazon, a group of scientists are looking to find more evidence of a fossil that was discovered, but they come face-to-face with a… MoreDuring an expedition up the Amazon, a group of scientists are looking to find more evidence of a fossil that was discovered, but they come face-to-face with a hostile half-man, half-fish creature. Who takes a real fancy to the lady assistant of the group and kidnaps her after escaping the cage that the scientists had held him captive in.
This totally successful Universal classic creature feature is unquestionably a very influential imprint on the many horror / Sci-fi ilks that followed it. I have not seen the flick in ages, but the charm and polish was still there to considerate one of my all-time favourite Universal monster flicks. Originally, it was distributed in 3-D, but even without that gimmick it stands up marginally well. There's something crisp about these b/w Universal features and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" is no exception.
It's stoutly directed by Jack Arnold with extremely potent cinematography (especially the superbly executed murky underwater shots) and a robust to melodious patchwork music score. Though it's the star of the production were the limelight sticks on. The creature was thought-up through Universal compared to their other monsters that were found through literature. Bud Westmore's astounding rubber design for the beast was vividly crafted and had an imposing figure and personality about it. Rounding off the solid production were credible performances from Richard Carlson, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno and the simply gorgeous Julie Adams. No wonder why it's love at first sight for the creature! The to-the-point script rounds out the characters and situation they are in a durable manner. A "King Kong" aspect definitely shapes the premise, Beauty and the Gill-Man. And the leisurely story doesn't lean to far from its traditionally planned framework. In patches streamlining a certain eroticism found in some sequences breaks this mold. Director Arnold kicks away from sophistication to rally up genuinely compact suspense and an atmospheric air from its surroundings and natural sounds. It does have that feel of the scientists being out of their comfort zone, and we the audience acknowledge it too.
One of the best monster flicks of the 50's era. Unpretentiously, adventurous fun

Christopher Heim

The story and characters are rather simplistic but the true reason to see this film is for the legendary "Gill Man". The underwater scenes are… MoreThe story and characters are rather simplistic but the true reason to see this film is for the legendary "Gill Man". The underwater scenes are beautifully shot, containing a surreal sequence were Gill Man swims beneath an unsuspecting female diver. That scene would later inspire the opening sequence for Steven Spielberg's "Jaws". The music was also awesome, filled to the brim with dramatic orchestral cues. A must see for any fans of the monster movie genre.

Randy Tippy

Okay, so maybe it doesn't deserve FOUR stars but <i>Creature from the Black Lagoon</i> is such an integral and beloved part of my childhood… MoreOkay, so maybe it doesn't deserve FOUR stars but <i>Creature from the Black Lagoon</i> is such an integral and beloved part of my childhood that I couldn't bring myself to give it anything less.

danny d

absolutely one of the most underrated and unforgettable horror films ever made. this is probably my favorite of all of universals classic monster films. the… Moreabsolutely one of the most underrated and unforgettable horror films ever made. this is probably my favorite of all of universals classic monster films. the creature has been an inspiration for many monsters in film since, and some of the images of him swimming near humans undetected in the first part of the film are simply bone chilling. the black lagoon was the perfect location for the film. the actors and character stories were well mapped out and the theistic evolutionary backdrop for the film set the stage perfectly as a lead up to the introduction of our sympathetic but murderous monster. a must see horror classic.

Tim Salmons

This might've been popular at one time, but I'm not feeling it.

Jacob Ethington

There's a reason why this is one of the most legendary monster films in existence. It doesn't really have that good of a story, or acting, but the… MoreThere's a reason why this is one of the most legendary monster films in existence. It doesn't really have that good of a story, or acting, but the underwater photography is very good for the time. But what really sets this film apart is the creature itself. Now, the design hasn't exactly aged well (the suit is obviously made of rubber), but there's something that has aged far more gracefully than the rest of the film: the creature performance. The inherent problem with B-Monster-Movies of the 50s is that the people playing monsters in a suit moved like people just flailing like they had a bulky suit on. The Creature from the Black Lagoon MOVES like a Creature From the Black Lagoon. When Gillman (his official Universal Studios name) swims underwater, he doesn't move like someone awkwardly maneuvering in a rubber suit, he moves like an aquatic creature. The Gillman on land's movements are a bit questionable, but the creature's physical performance is convincing enough that it becomes strangely immersive as an experience. Add in some real suspense at points and you have one pretty dang good monster movie. Check it out.

Michael Edwards

a pretty decent monster flick from the universal monster movies

AJ Verser

Since many of the scenes take place under water, they're a little too slow and boring for a sci-fi horror movie. Of course I know this movie is considered… MoreSince many of the scenes take place under water, they're a little too slow and boring for a sci-fi horror movie. Of course I know this movie is considered a classic monster movie, but I didn't think it was that great.

Wahida K

A cute classic of 50 which was very fascinating because of that Monster. I enoy this sort of Movies. I was first expecting some "Studio" stuff This… MoreA cute classic of 50 which was very fascinating because of that Monster. I enoy this sort of Movies. I was first expecting some "Studio" stuff This turned out to outdoor filiming in 50`s.